A multi-disciplinary training programme which equips participants with the necessary skills to run a business savvy, socially conscious organisation.

This flagship programme of the GIBS Entrepreneurship Development Academy is designed to provide social change makers and entrepreneurs with the skills, creative thinking and networks needed to tackle the complex social and economic realities of the communities within which they work. Classes have a reputation for passionate debate as theories, experience and the diverse worlds of entrepreneurs, NGOs, business and government meet. The programme brings together the best practices in civil society with the best practices in business from around the world.

Programme content:

Learners can expect an interactive, challenging programme with:

Theory delivered in lectures and reading material

Analysis of socio-economic context using robust case studies and guest speakers who are leading industry authorities

Knowledge application through assignments, syndicate work and projects

The programme has constant assessment with pre-reading, pre-block assessments and two post-block assignments per block. The grading of the assessments follows the rigorous scrutiny and marking process as with any other GIBS programme.

Learn how to research, evaluate and measure the impact of social initiatives.

Scaling Up Impact

Explore organisational stages of growth and what is needed institutionally as your initiative develops

Consider if, when and how you should scale up

Assess various models for scaling impact

Analyse case studies on growth patterns of social initiatives

Cultivate new partnerships and learn how to maximise their potential

Programme dates:

Orientation

09 May (08:30 - 17:30)

Block 1

27 - 31 May(Block 1 will consist of 5 days 08:30 - 17:30)

ALP Submission for Block 1

21 June

Block 2

12 - 16 August

ALP Submission for Block 2

16 September

Block 3

04 - 08 November

ALP Submission for Block 3

25 November

ALP Presentations

07 December

In addition to the above dates, syndicate group work is done throughout the year which requires you to regularly meet with your group to work on assignments and attend ALP feedback sessions. Please note these are excluded from the actual programme dates.

Graduation:

100% Attendance is required in order to graduate from the programme.

You will receive a certificate of completion.

Graduation takes place the following year in March / April.

Application criteria:

Successful candidates will have: - minimum of five years' work experience, including at management level - demonstrated motivation, conceptual skills, and drive- tertiary qualification an advantage

*Applicants who are highly qualified but lack sufficient work or academic experience may be considered by exception.

Applications will be reviewed and evaluated on a rolling basis. The course does fill quickly, so the earlier your application is submitted, the higher your chance of being accepted.

Closing date for acceptance
confirmation and submission of debit order form is 18 April 2019.

In 2018, we published the first-ever national survey of social enterprises in South Africa. The aim of this, the first and largest study of its kind, was to understand social enterprises in South Africa – WHO they are, WHERE they are, WHAT they do and HOW they operate. Click here for the full report.

Who should attend?

Social entrepreneurs or anyone looking to start a social enterprise;

Non-profit leaders

CSI managers;

BBBEE and transformation experts;

Trustees of boards;

Those working in sustainability and triple bottom line;

Development practitioners

Change makers

Funders; and

Government.

How you will
benefit

Gain insight into the complex challenges of social change, financial sustainability and innovation;

Develop a deeper understanding of strategy, leadership and governance;

Acquire entrepreneurship training and business skills in finance, operations and management; and

Once registered, you will receive a reference number to confirm your registration and thereafter will be invited for an entrance interview. Interviews commence on the 25th
Feb to 5th April 2019.Successful applicants
will be communicated with between the 8th and 10th
April 2019.

A R9,500 upfront deposit (25% of the R38 000 fee) is required to secure your place in the programme. Please note full payment is required before the commencement of the course. The balance is payable
in equal monthly instalments of R4,750 via debit order. The last debit
order will be in October 2019.

Due to the customised nature of this programme, around addressing the needs and demands of Social Enterprises, this programme is not accredited.